Human Resources Management

Human resources (HR) is a critical function within organizations. From policy development to implementation, HR professionals cover a range of duties from ensuring workplace safety to managing payroll and benefits administration. Human resources management professionals may be specialists or generalists and responsible for any or all of the following:

Budgeting and planning all aspects of the company related to human resources

Informing executives and employees about company policies and procedures to ensure that all state and federal regulations are being followed

Coordinating recruitment, training, compensation, and retention efforts for the company

Negotiating employee benefits (insurance, retirement, etc.) and communicating any necessary changes or updates to all personnel

Understanding and ensuring that all labor laws and training requirements are being met

Decision making. Recruiting and hiring new personnel and resolving personnel issues require a human resources manager to be decisive.

Organizational. In order to keep track of competing priorities, a human resources manager must be organized. Organizational tasks include scheduling trainings, interviews, mediations, and disciplinary proceedings in addition to maintaining and enforcing company policies and procedures.

Analytical. HR professionals are strategic partners in the management of an organization and must have a foundation in general management, from accounting to operations. Some aspects of HR, such as compensation, are entirely data driven.

Salary and Benefits

Those who have worked in a similar field in the past will obtain a higher starting salary than an individual who is beginning this career path immediately upon graduation. To find more information regarding salary and benefits for human resource managers, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

Challenges and Opportunities

Changing technologies are redefining the practice of human resources, and an increased emphasis on the professionalism of the role and recognition of HR as an essential business function are reshaping the field.

Trends

Changing global business practices require human resource managers to develop a better understanding of virtual employee relationships, information systems, international recruitment strategies, and internet policies and procedures. Human resource professionals will continue to play an important role in helping businesses stay up to date on changing employment laws. To gain more insight on job trends for human resource managers, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.